Last Update - 21 November 2013

Oct. 1906  Telegraph

BURGLARIES IN NEWTOWNARDS.

Early this morning it was discovered that the business premises of Mr. John Bailie, grocer and provision merchant, Frances Street, had been broken into. From the indications on the door and the fact that a couple of planks were taken from the neighbouring premises of Mr. Frederick Aicken, cooper, it was evident that the means of securing entrance was by forcing the door which is hung in two halves. A large amount of money was in the cash-box which was abstracted. In the box were also a number of private documents which are of much more value to the owner. A parcel of silver, amounting to £14, was in a paper bag, quite convenient, but was overlooked by the burglars. Mr. Bailie does a large business with the farmers of the Ards district on a Saturday, and consequently had a large sum of money on hand convenient for payments. The work appears to be that of some one who was well acquainted with the situation of the house, and with a knowledge of the situation of the money receptacle. During the same night the establishment of the Irish Tapestry Company, South Street, was also broken into, but here nothing in the shape of money rewarded the efforts of the burglars, who, however, appropriated a top-coat hanging in the office. The police are making investigations.

27th. October 1906 - Chronicle

Weightlifting Exibition in Newtownards - Great Meeting - Popular Wins for medals - Ju Jitsum Display - Newtownards Men in Front - The Worlds Record Broken

In connection with the Newtownards Physical Culture School, a grand exibition of weight lifting and wrestling took place in the ORange Hall Newtownards on tuesday evening. Attendance was beyond all expectations, the hall being packed including the gallery. In Newtownards we have one strongman in the person of Mr. Henry McAlpine Wallaces Street.  He appears to have outshone all other lifters of his own weight and as the champions won't come near him he intends going on the "hunt" for them, and to demonstrate to the world the already and well known qualities of an Ards man.  The school therefore thought that a benefit night should be given on behalf of Mr. McAlpine, and so Mr. David McGimpsey, Mr. James McMillan and Mr. Robert Carse put their shoulders to the wheel with the result that their efforts were awarded with a bumper house full of enthusiasm. Before the proceedings began phonograph selections were given to while away the time on an instrument kindly lent by Mr. John Patton Pound Street.
Mr. Peter McLean U.D.C. occupied the chair and in a few brief remarks declared the proceedings open.
The chief attraction of the evening was the appearance of Mr. Vincent Gargano the 9 stone weight lifting champion of Ireland. This gentleman gave some marvellous displays with the heavy weights and also gave a wrestling display with his assistant in Jiu Jitsu, the new art of self preservation and defence. The display was really interesting and was heartily applauded. Mr. Gargane offered a medal to the man who would stand fifteen minutes before him. Three member at the school tried their luck, but the longest only lasted 9 minutes until he had to "tap" the carpet.
Competition for a silver medal
Mr. Gargano offered a silver medal to the person who made the best attempt at lifting his small dumbell. There were seven competitors, Robert MvKee South Street, W.J.Perry Mill Street, George McAlpine Wallaces Street, George Shanks North Street, Robert Orme North Street, William McAvoy Mill Street and Frank McAlpine Mill Street.
And after interesting trials Mr. William John Perry of Church Street {sic} very deservedly won the price amidst loud applause.
Competition for gold medal
Perhaps the most interesting competition was for a gold medal presented by the members of the school for who could lift the heaviest dumbell and hold it above his head with two hands. The competition was open to all comers. The following were the competitors - Messrs. David McGimpsey East Street, W.McAvoy Mill Street, Frank McAlpine Mill Street, George McAlpine Wallaces Street, George Shanks North Street, Samuel Orme North Street.
The dumb-bell at first weighed 125lb. and after each round 5 lbs more were added. The competition was most exciting each competitor being loudly cheered. As the bell amounted 195lb., 200lbs,. 205lbs,. the excitement was at its height, only three competitors remaining,. 209-210lbs. only two remained Messrs. David McGimpsey and Frank McAlpine. The final lift 212lbs. was tried Mr. McGimpsey managed while Mr. McAlpine made an exceedingly good effort, but sportsman like admitted his defeat. Both men were cheered to the echo. Mr.McGimpseys win was a very popular one. In passing it may be mentioned that he is the son of the esteemed Principal of East Street No.2 National School Mr. Robert McGimpsey.
The chairman then handed the prize to Mr. McGimpsey hoping that he would be long spared to wear it.

Exibition

At the conclusion at the request of a large number Mr.Henry McAlpine who is now well known in Newtownards was asked to give an exibition. Although suffering from a cut and sprained thumb, he consented to do so. He lifted the large dumb-bell weighing 220lbs. and increased each lift by 5lbs. reaching the amazing figure of 250lbs.
The chairman announced that Mr.McAlpine had by far broken the worlds record for an 11 stone man. The record stood at 230lbs. whereas Mr. McAlpine "played" with 250lbs. (Cheers)
Mr.McAlpine was loudly cheered and his exibition was greatly appreciated. He no doubt as a Newtownards man added laurels to the town.
During the evening Mr. George Murphy and Mr.Harris kindly rendered songs while the Church Boys Brigade Band also contributed a selection in fine style.